Tom Schad is a reporter in ESPN’s enterprise and investigative unit who specializes in projects, quick-turn investigations and data journalism. He joined ESPN in March 2026 after a brief stint covering the Washington Commanders for The Washington Post.

Prior to The Post, Schad spent nearly eight years at USA Today, including five as an enterprise and investigative reporter. He helped spearhead projects on a wide variety of subjects, including shady college sports programs and recruiting outfits, NFL coaching diversity, NCAA coaching compensation and the political donations of team owners. He also reported extensively on legal and cultural issues within sports and contributed to USA Today’s coverage of three Olympic Games.

Schad previously spent three years covering the University of Memphis football team for The Commercial Appeal and one year covering professional and college sports for The Washington Times. His work has been recognized at the Associated Press Sports Editors’ annual writing contest on more than a dozen occasions.

A Colorado native, Schad graduated from American University in 2013. He resides in Alexandria, Va.

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